Take precautions while using ATM

June 18, 2006

The primary focus of the ATM Crime Prevention Program is user safety. Due to heightened user awareness and prevention applications, a recent survey indicated that ATM crime incidents are on a downward trend. Because of the variety of ATMs, the unique characteristics of each installation and crime considerations at each location, no single formula can guarantee the security of ATM customers. Therefore, it is necessary for ATM customers to consider the environment around each ATM and various procedures for remaining safe when using an ATM. Criminals select their victims and targets, focusing on the unaware or unprepared. Criminals are also drawn to environmental conditions that enhance the opportunity to successfully complete their crime. The attitude and demeanor you convey can have a tremendous effect on potential assailants. There are a number of things you can do to increase your personal security and reduce your risk of becoming an ATM crime victim. The following crime prevention tips can help make the use of ATMs safer for everyone.

Walk purposefully and with confidence. Give the appearance that you are totally aware of your surroundings.

Be aware of your total environment and what is going on around you. Criminals tend to avoid people who have this type of demeanor.

Perform mental exercises and think out what you would do in different crime or personal-security situations.

Follow your instincts. If you feel you are in danger, respond immediately. Remember that your personal safety is the first priority. Choosing an ATM site The law sets minimum standards for ATM lighting, procedures for evaluating the safety of ATMs and requires notices to ATM users outlining basic safety precautions for using ATMs. Although ATM environmental design issues are covered in the law, there are other considerations that an ATM customer needs to consider before selecting and using an ATM. For example:

Do not select an ATM at the corner of a building. Corners create a blind area in close proximity to the customer's transaction. Select an ATM located near the center of a building. An ATM farther from the corner reduces the element of surprise by an assailant and increases effective reaction time by the user.

Identify an ATM with maximum natural surveillance and visibility from the surrounding area. This will increase a perceived notion of detection by a criminal and increases the potential for witnesses.

Select an ATM at a location void of barriers blocking the line of sight of the ATM. This includes shrubbery, landscaping, signs and decorative partitions or dividers. Barriers provide hiding areas for would-be assailants.

Select an ATM that is in a well-lighted location.

Whenever possible, select an ATM that is monitored or patrolled by a security officer.

Solicit prior criminal activity statistics from law enforcement for the ATM site and surrounding neighborhood.

Avoid ATM locations with large perimeter parking lots and numerous ingress and egress points. Other considerations

Always watch for suspicious persons or activity around an ATM. Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car in close proximity to or at a distance from the ATM location.

If you notice anything strange, leave and return some other time. Even if you have already started a transaction, cancel and leave.

Maintain a small supply of deposit envelopes at home, in your car or office. Prepare all transaction paperwork before your arrival at the ATM site. This will minimize the amount of time spent at the ATM.

Maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction. Do not become so involved with your transaction that you are not aware of changing conditions in the area.

Do not wear expensive jewelry or take other valuables to the ATM.

If you get cash, put it away immediately. Do not stand at the ATM and count it.

Never accept offers of assistance with the ATM from strangers. Ask the bank for help. -- Detective Scot Moniz, St. Joseph County Police Department